What CBD Is, and What CBD Isn’t

Have you tried CBD as a supplement? There’s a lot of false information and misguided beliefs about what CBD is and what it isn’t. This post is geared toward offering a quick guide to the basics about this compound so you can begin to make the right choice for your health and well-being.

CBD is Just One Part of The Cannabis Plant

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is just one of more than 120 compounds called “cannabinoids” found in cannabis. There are 8 primary cannabinoid acids produced by the plant, but the two that you’re familiar with THC and CBD must be “activated”, usually by heat, create these compounds. And, every variety of the cannabis plant family produces cannabinoids, including hemp. This is important because where your CBD comes from can be determined in part by the state that you live in.

For example, in Arizona and other states where marijuana is still illegal, CBD must come from the Hemp plant, which “ is a term used to classify varieties of Cannabis that contain 0.3% or less THC content (by dry weight). “hemp” has generally been used to describe non-intoxicating Cannabis that is harvested for the industrial use of its derived products.

CBD by Itself Isn’t Psychoactive

CBD has no psychoactive properties. It’s chemical makeup doesn’t produce the same level of THC that other cannabis plants can produce. However, if you’re in a state where cannabis is legal for recreational use, your CBD may come from a plant variety other than HEMP which means it can have a higher percentage of THC. More on this in a moment.

CBD Isn’t A Cure for Anything

While CBD can offer a number of health benefits, it cannot cure any disease or condition. It cannot cure cancer, it cannot cure epilepsy, it cannot cure insomnia or anxiety/depression. What CBD can due for some is ease the symptoms. For example, some people find that their gut health improves with CBD, women may take CBD to ease menstrual discomfort, and people routinely supplement with CBD to help them sleep.

CBD’s Effects/Benefits Aren’t Universal

CBD is a chemical compound that has an effect on your endocannabinoid system. This is a system of receptors in your body that are present in your central and peripheral nervous system. This system was only recently discovered and researchers are studying it and we’re learning more every day. What we do know is that CBD binds to these receptors in your body and because everyone’s system is a little different, CBD can bind differently in different people.

This is why some people may have great results with CBD and other people don’t experience any benefits or why some people can take 5mg for sleep and another person may need to take 20mg. Different CBD products may work better for you than others as well.

Endocannabinoid “receptors are present throughout the body, including our skin, immune cells, bone, fat tissue, liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, heart, blood vessels, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. We now know the endocannabinoid system is involved in a wide variety of processes, including pain, memory, mood, appetite, stress, sleep, metabolism, immune function, and reproductive function. Endocannabinoids are arguably one of the most widespread and versatile signaling molecules known to man.” (https://www.uclahealth.org/cannabis/human-endocannabinoid-system)

CBD Is Readily Available

The industry is booming and there are people making CBD oil and products in their kitchen and there are companies producing CBD products for every ailment you might imagine. You can buy CBD bath bombs and chapstick as well as tinctures and capsules. You can order CBD on AMazon or find it at your local pet store. It’s everywhere. In the next post in my CBD series I’ll talk about how to be a discerning consumer and buy the best CBD product for your personal needs.

For now, know that CBD is a supplement. It’s not a cure. It works quite well for many people to help ease symptoms and improve their quality of life. It comes from a plant family and to create the CBD compound, it has to go through a process. Because of its properties, the medical community is up to their eyebrows in research because the potential for health benefits is huge and wouldn’t it be amazing if this simple plant could truly (and legally) improve the lives of millions?

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